The German Fruit & Vegetable Congress will take place on 21. and 22.09.2020 at the Congress Center Düsseldorf. Due to Corona, the 10th event in this series will be held in a slightly different format. Nevertheless, the GBA Group, as a long-standing sponsoring partner, will again be there this year, presenting our services throughout the entire food supply chain. Further information on the DOGK will follow shortly.

Since 28 June 2020, Regulation (EU) 2020/749 on new maximum levels for chlorate residues in food has come into effect and applies also retroactively to products manufactured or imported into the EU before that date.

Chlorates were formerly used as crop protection agents (total herbicides). For some time now, however, chlorates have not been allowed to be used as pesticides across the EU. Despite this ban, chlorate residues are frequently found in food. The reasons for these findings can be very different.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are secondary plant materials that are mainly formed by certain plants, e.g. Senecio jacobaea, and serve to protect against predators. What protects one may harm another. Thus, certain PA's can damage the liver and should therefore be minimized according to the ALARA principle. A correspondingly increased risk exists, for example, with products such as tea, herbs, spices and food supplements, especially their herbal raw materials.

Tropane alkaloids and ergot alkaloids should also be monitored for the above-mentioned products.

With the new Regulation (EU) 2020/685, perchlorate is now included in the Contaminants Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006. Perchlorate is considered a contaminant that can enter the product e.g. via groundwater, irrigation water, certain fertilizers, or the water used in production. Perchlorate can negatively affect human health by inhibiting iodine intake. Maximum levels have been set for the following product groups: fruit and vegetables, tea, herbal and fruit infusions, and certain baby foods. For fruit and vegetables, the maximum levels apply to the edible part.

Protection against food counterfeiting is a challenge in the current situation.

Due to deviations in the routine of global supply chains and official monitoring, there is an increased risk of food fraud.

How can you ensure protection against fraud, safety and integrity of your food?